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How to Deal with Pregnancy Brain
If you are pregnant and have been having days when you are unfocused, seem very distracted or forgetful even about simple things, then you’re not alone. Many women find that they tend to forget certain things and their memory seems to have failed them during pregnancy. This is normal and may be due to all the hormones that are at work in your body.
What is Pregnancy Brain?
Pregnancy brain happens to most pregnant women and causes instances of forgetfulness. Also called as baby brain or momnesia, it is a common occurrence. It isn't something to worry about and may even have a purpose. It is found that pregnancy brain helps the mother bond with her baby. Studies have found that during pregnancy there is increased activity in the right side of the brain which is associated with emotions, as opposed to the left side of the brain which is linked to logic. This may be in preparation for the mother to help understand her baby’s needs better. It also explains to an extent, why ‘pregnancy brain’ occurs.
Causes
Apart from the fact that the brain is preparing you to bond better with your baby, memory issues during pregnancy have a few other causes.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause a lot of changes in the body. During pregnancy, your body releases a host of hormones including progesterone, oestrogen, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and oxytocin. These hormones are essential as they signal the brain to enable contraction in the uterus and promote milk production. As they do this, they also affect several neurons in the brain, which may be a reason for the lack of memory.
Lack of sleep may also be a reason for baby brain. Once you are pregnant, you will need to make more trips to the bathroom as your uterus will be pushing against your bladder. This means waking up in the middle of the night quite often. To add to this, you will also face constant pain in the form of cramps, heartburn, swollen feet, etc. Sudden hunger pangs may also wake you up at unusual times.
Stress, anxiety and the fact that you are carrying all that extra weight around may make your brain extremely tired, which can also contribute to bad memory during pregnancy.
How to Deal with this Situation?
Although there isn’t a clear-cut answer as to when pregnancy brain starts, you can take a few steps to help yourself during this confusing period.
Write things down: The minute you think of something that you need to do, write it down so that even if you forget it, you can always check your notebook or phone.
Store important things at a specific spot: Keys, phones, and things you need on an everyday basis should be designated to a specific spot.
Set alarms: If you need to remember a date or an event, set the alarm on your phone.
Take photos: If you go out and park your car, click a photo to help locate your car when you get back.
Sleep well: Take naps as and when you can afford to. A well-rested brain may make things easier.
Exercise regularly: Follow a routine of approved exercises to keep your memory sharp and keep you alert.
Prioritize: Simplify your tasks and prioritise what is important. Try not to do multiple things at once as it will be all the more confusing and will frustrate even more.
Seek help from your family: You can always ask your family and partner to lend a helping hand with chores or help you remember certain things.
Relax: Stress can make things worse. Relax and accept that this is normal so that your brain isn’t overworked.
Include choline-rich foods: Choline promotes the production of a memory formation chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. Eggs, soy milk, nuts, citrus fruits, milk, etc., are a good source of choline.
Eat food rich in omega 3 fatty acids: These acids found in eggs, fish, etc, are known to help in the proper functioning of the brain as well as its development. It is excellent for the development of your baby too.
FAQs
1. Is Momnesia a Myth or a Fact?
Momnesia or pregnancy brain is a fact. It is caused due to several reasons, and many women go through this during pregnancy.
2. What else can Forgetfulness be a Sign of during Pregnancy?
Forgetfulness paired with other symptoms like lack of interest in things, feeling of guilt, having trouble sleeping or excessive sleep, can be a sign of depression. If you constantly feel like your mood is unusually low, reach out to your doctor and seek help.
3. What it Feels like to have Momnesia?
Momnesia may feel different to different women but is most often characterised by memory loss. You may walk into a room multiple times in a day and forget what you went in there for, or you could forget where you have left your things or what you said just a few minutes ago.
Forgetfulness in pregnancy is common and happens to almost every woman. It is important that you remind yourself that it is not your fault and is entirely natural. This can prevent any feeling of frustration during instances when you are feeling unusually low. Pregnancy brain is a short-term condition, and you will overcome it once you deliver. However, it may take a few days after delivery for your brain to settle and memory to return to its original state. Remember not be too hard on yourself and enjoy your pregnancy as much as you can. Read more
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Parents Role in Children's Growth and Development
Parents are the greatest and the first ideals or role models for any growing babies; it is rightly said that whatever the child learns first is from the family, especially the parents. It felt true when I became a mother two years ago. Babies have excellent observation skills, and they grasp things fast; once they see us doing something. Their next step will be to do it independently, so you need to be very cautious with your actions.
One day I was straightening my hair, and my son was watching me; I completed my task and kept the straighter on the bed and left the room too. I thought of keeping it back once it cooled down. I considered putting it away once it had cooled off. Fortunately, my son did not enter the room for several hours, but when the lights were turned on, I saw him in the room, holding the straighter and doing the same thing I was doing; at that point, I got goosebumps and wondered what would have happened if he had entered the room immediately after the straighter was placed. It was hot, and anything could have happened; he could have burnt his hand or cheek if he had taken it near the face. This was just a small act; imagine you and your husband quarrel in front of the baby? Then? What next? The baby would grasp your words, and those words could impact the child in a wrong way.
Dear parents, children are like water; they take the space of the vessel you pour them in. Instil good ideas in your youngster to help them become a great person. And, once again, your actions are critical; be mindful of your negative behaviours and never make the baby suffer due to something you don't want the infant to do in the future.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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What Degree of Organizing and Sorting is Normal for Kids?
Your little ones birth has already brought a lot of happiness and it is surely bringing more every day. Right from the birth your baby starts understanding the world outside and perceives things accordingly. Your baby’s birth chart is also line up with some milestones. These are nothing but developmental pit stops that would help you track your baby’s development. There are defined milestones that your baby should have crossed to mark a positive development.
However, at times while you are monitoring all activities of your baby and tracking the milestones, there could be something that you might notice which may be a little unusual or too good for your child at that age. Experts say anything unusual should be discussed with your doctor immediately. One such behavior often observed is organizing and sorting things. Your kid might show signs of organizing and sorting things out of their way. This can often turn into an obsession and you might freak out.
So, is organizing and sorting normal for your kids?
The answer to the one above is tricky, as this behavior is not something unusual. In essence, you should feel proud that your little one knows to keep things organized. It will also give an idea of your kid being so learned about the environment that he wants things handy and sorted out. So, what are the benefits of organizing and sorting activities?
1. Cognitive skills
The above activity will increase your kid’s cognitive health by enhancing the hand eye coordination. Sorting out activity will also encourage your kid to observe and assess the similarities between the two separate set of stuff present. This activity will also help your kid organize things in such a manner that your little one can access the same with an ease.
2. Team Work
Often, you may find that your child is instructing others on the way to carry out sorting & organizing. At the end, they all will find that their effort was worth. The stacked and organized toys will give them access to all of them at once and they will feel very happy.
3. Physical Activity
In the pursuit of organizing and sorting, your kid will have a lot of physical activity. This in turn will give a lot of exercise and your kid will be all the more happy doing it. The direct impact will be on muscles and ligaments that will grow stronger.
So, why are you now worried of organizing and stacking? Is it necessary?
Well, there is no reason to worry about this. In essence, this is all the more normal and you should be happy that your kid is so well brought up. It is perfectly normal that your kid loves to be organized and sorted. In fact, this is the systematic approach for better life. Do not panic and learn some new ways of sorting from your kid. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. 11Weeks on going and the problem is continuously vomiting, body&headache pain.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. please check the temperature can be a viral infection. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why are my vomitings not stopping even in 5th month of my pregnancy. and constant headaches.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. this is seen in some people which my continue in second trimester also. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. is it normal to have 2 dominant follicles in Right ovary? Today is my D8 and the size of both the follicles are 20x18mm and 19x18 mm Is it normal.
and left ovary follicles 12x18mm.and ET size 7.89
pls advice
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. if it is induced one then there can be chances. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
48 mins ago
Q. what should I eat for a healthy baby in my 3rd month of pregnancy.kindly suggest a healthy diet routine
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
45 mins ago
A. Whole grains — like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread. Proteins — like lean meats and chicken, eggs, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu. Low-fat or fat-free dairy — like milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy, and fortified soy beverages (soy milk) or soy yogurt.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
41 mins ago
Q. in which month of pregnancy we should start excercising for normal delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
27 mins ago
A. no exercises vigorously only moderate walking ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
32 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
I am 28 weeks pregnant and feeling breathlessness and Always tired ... is this normal ?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
26 mins ago
A. this cannot be normal always better to see the doctor once. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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